Sources said there has been initial contact between United and the Serie A side ahead of a possible deal for the 28-year-old at the end of the season.

Blind, who has also made three league starts, is wanted by Inter Milan and Roma. United triggered a one-year extension in his contract but sources say he is willing to take a pay cut to secure a move to Italy.

Darmian, a £12.7 million signing from Torino in 2015, and Blind, who arrived from Ajax for £13.8m in 2014, were both left out of Jose Mourinho's squad for the 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday.